Chamber and committees

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)
Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

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Question reference: S6W-36022

Current Status: Withdrawn

Question reference: S6W-36015

Current Status: Withdrawn

Question reference: S6W-35693

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will investigate the recent fire at the battery energy storage system site at Rothienorman in Aberdeenshire.

Question reference: S6W-35691

Asked by: Tim Eagle, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Friday, 14 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-35132 by Ivan McKee on 27 February 2025, for what reason it only carried out a partial island communities impact assessment (ICIA), instead of a full ICIA, for the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill prior to the Parliament's consideration of the Bill at stage 1, in light of the assessment in the partial ICIA published in May 2023, which noted that "the geographical remoteness of islands can generate a number of particular challenges".

Further to the explanation in the ICIA, the basis of the charge being a percentage, it would not be expected to have a significantly different effect on island based tourism businesses to those based on the mainland, Nevertheless, the ICIA does include observations and concerns around issues including the prevalence of smaller hospitality businesses on islands, the high numbers of day visitors, the existing costs of transport to islands, and that islands and island residents have a particular reliance on using overnight accommodation when people travel to and from the mainland because of the need to build in consideration for potential ferry disruption.

I would add that, local authorities have an obligation to comply with their duties under the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. Additionally, local authorities have the power to charge different rates and exemptions for different geographical areas. Each local authority has a responsibility to publish an assessment of the impacts of introducing a Visitor Levy, including for the different rates and exemptions they may choose to apply. Local authorities also have a statutory requirement to consult with local communities, businesses, and the public, prior to the introduction of a Visitor Levy. You may wish to respond to any consultation in your local area in relation to how they might introduce a scheme.

Question reference: S6W-35824

Asked by: Douglas Lumsden, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made with the implementation of each of the 55 recommendations in the report, Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, which was published on 25 August 2023, broken down by what (a) action it has taken in each case and (b) date each will be fully implemented, and what the reasons are for any delays.

A significant amount of work has been undertaken to date, to progress the implementation of the 55 recommendations made as part of the Independent Review of Audiology Services in Scotland, involving a wide range of stakeholders across the public and third sector. We continue to work with the NHS, Third Sector and private providers to identify and cost an appropriate model of community care for any future service reform and ensure that the voices of those with lived experience inform this work.

A report outlining how each of the 55 recommendations set out in the Independent Review have been closed or transitioned, and the rationale for that, will be provided to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee imminently and will be made available on both the Committee website and https://www.all-ears.nhs.scot/

Question reference: S6W-35647

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Alasdair Allan on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that people are fully aware of the ending of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) on 1 July 2025, and what plans are in place to support any affected consumers in (a) general and (b) rural areas such as the Scottish Borders, where there is reportedly a higher prevalence of RTS meters.

The Scottish Government has no powers over the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS).

Ofgem and Energy UK are leading a cross-industry response to the RTS shutdown which includes a public awareness campaign. However, progress has been slow. Ofgem’s data from suppliers show that between October 2024 and January 2025 around 18,700 RTS meters were replaced in Scotland. As of January 2025, there were still 146,302 RTS consumers in Scotland who need to have their meters replaced. The switch-off date has already been extended three times and a further extension is not expected.

People who rely on the RTS will experience real and considerable detriment unless meters are replaced by the switch-off date. This is especially true for those in our rural and island communities where expensive electric storage heaters are more prevalent. The Scottish Government continues to consistently convey this message to the UK Government, Ofgem, and suppliers.

Since the creation of the RTS Taskforce in autumn last year, the energy industry has progressed a series of pilot projects in areas with high numbers of RTS customers. These pilots have been intended to target several upgrades at once while understanding and addressing technical challenges. However, many still wait for engineers who simply do not turn up or are insufficiently trained to upgrade the meter in question. The Scottish Government has asked for additional enforcement action to be put in place to reduce these instances and ensure that every household is fitted with a fully functioning meter before the deadline.

While we do not hold the necessary powers to direct Ofgem or suppliers, we are committed to raising awareness and working with those responsible to ensure consumers are not negatively affected by the switch-off. This includes contributing to RTS related engagement, consultations, and roundtables as well as raising the media profile of the switch-off. We have written to the UK Government, Ofgem, and industry on several occasions to press them to take the necessary steps to protect consumers in Scotland from detriment – highlighting the specific needs of rural and island communities and the availability of working smart meters as a viable solution – and continue to advocate for Scottish RTS users at every opportunity.

Any consumers experiencing difficulties with their supplier should contact Advice Direct Scotland (ADS). ADS receives funding from the Scottish Government as part of our devolved responsibilities for consumer advocacy and advice. Services include the free national energy advice helpline, available on 0808 196 8660 or at energyadvice.scot.

With just over three months to the deadline, and no clear Plan B, the UK Government and Ofgem must use their relevant powers to take urgent and proportionate action to substantially increase the number of properties upgraded. This is particularly pressing in rural and island areas where the number of RTS meters is disproportionate and where the impact on already high levels of fuel poverty could be significant.

Question reference: S6W-35649

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Alasdair Allan on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government how it is working with (a) Ofgem and (b) energy suppliers to ensure that the replacement of Radio Teleswitch Service meters is completed in a timely manner and that no consumer is left without control over their heating and hot water when the service ends.

Question reference: S6W-35646

Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-34926 by Jenni Minto on 4 March 2025, what discussions it has had with the Respiratory Specialty Delivery Group within NHS Golden Jubilee to develop a pathway for (a) idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and (b) interstitial lung disease.

Scottish Government are not directly involved in the development of a pathway for IPF and ILD however we are aware that the Centre for Sustainable Delivery has a Speciality Delivery Group for respiratory and this pathway development has been added this to their work plan for this year. We will continue to collaborate with colleagues leading this work to ensure all key stakeholders are informed of its progress.

Question reference: S6W-35632

Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it being approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency for the rest of the UK, for what reason the medication, Givinostat, for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is not available through NHS Scotland.

A conditional marketing authorisation was granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for givinostat (Duvyzat®) on 20 December 2024. A conditional marketing authorisation is an early temporary licence.

The pharmaceutical company that markets Duvyzat® has offered a national Early Access Programme which provides free of charge access to the medicine for the treatment of ambulant young people aged six years and older with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This has been in place since late December 2024.

It is for individual Health Boards to consider the implementation of any new medicine, and ultimately for the clinician in charge of a person’s care to advise on suitable treatment options. The Scottish Government is aware that Health Boards are currently considering how to schedule offering this medicine in the most fair and equitable manner.

Question reference: S6W-35650

Asked by: Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 13 March 2025
Current Status: Answered by Alasdair Allan on 21 March 2025

To ask the Scottish Government what specific measures are being taken to address any potential impact of the ending of the Radio Teleswitch Service on vulnerable consumers in rural constituencies, particularly those who may have limited access to alternative heating and hot water solutions.